The roots of America as a nation can be traced to May 29, 1780, and what happened in a clearing off Rocky River Road in eastern Lancaster County.

There is little doubt that what happened 230 years ago – when British Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton’s Green Dragoons clashed with American Col. Abraham Buford’s retreating Virginia Regiment – affected the outcome of the American Revolution, said Wayne Roberts, an archaeologist for the S.C. Department of Transportation.

As Sammie Lathan dives into a plate loaded down with grits, scrambled eggs, salty strips of bacon and white toast slathered in grape jelly, it’s easy to see why JoMars Family Restaurant has such a devoted clientele.

Lathan, a Lancaster resident, stops by the restaurant for some of his home-cooked favorites at least once a week.

Today, Lathan pulled up a seat near the famed “Fatback Hotbar” along with his friend, Charles Jones.

“I think being considered a ‘singer’s singer’ means ‘someone can sing for me and I won’t be critical,’” said Clawson, laughing. “As singers, we listen so critically to how others do it. I think it means I can just relax and enjoy when she sings, or at least I hope that’s what it means.”

The key to making Mother’s Day special is to make it unforgettable. You don’t have to spent a lot of money to do that, either.

Here are a few great Mother’s Day gift ideas to think about:

– Make a gift in her name – If mom has a favorite cause, consider making a charitable donation in honor. Just make sure the organization reflects her personality. Some local charities to consider include the American Red Cross, Christian Services, Family Promise of Lancaster, HOPE in Lancaster and Pregnancy Care Center.

You don’t have to go to a veterinarian to get your dog or cat vaccinated for rabies. The shots are coming to you.

Starting April 1, Faulkner Animal Hospital has scheduled 11 rabies clinics throughout the county for six weeks. cost is $5 per shot and yearly shots for cats and dogs are $16 each. For details, call 286-8131.

The purpose of the vaccinations is to protect humans and pets from exposure to rabies when there is contact between a pet and wildlife, including bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks.

There’s a Relay For Life sign leaning on the desk just outside Room 105 at Buford Elementary School.

When the new school first opened, Room 105 was a teacher’s lounge. Trust me, I know, having spent my share of time in it assisting teachers while fulfilling the volunteer hours requirement for Discovery School.

But now, the Bunn coffee maker, refrigerator and miscellaneous teacher supplies are gone.

A youth group from The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church will volunteer in July at Give Kids The World Village in July, a summer camp for kids with terminal illnesses in Kissimmee, Fla.

Located on 70 acres, it has more than 140 villas and an enchanted castle, along with other amenities that are available to those with special needs who stay there.

Give Kids The World gets the names of the kids from other organizations and flies them in for a week.